More flawed business models in the wireless world …
I know that people will sometimes scoff at my observations and thoughts of the wireless evolution (revolution?) however this is one that I have seen coming for a long time … and predicted. To me, the model that Metricom created was not going to be sustainable. Their proprietary approach attempted to “control” the standards, hardware, access, and infrastrcuture … a very costly proposition. I never could see how they thought they would drive costs down, and membership up. Instead, the adoption of standards like 802.11b, and getting out of the hardware business, could have provided an “out”. I have heard good things about their service, but they are now down and out. Likewise, I believe that MobileStar and others in the 802.11b business have been following a similar model … slightly better, but still flawed models. They are looking to install and own 802.11b infrastructure which again is a very costly model. I truly believe that a “public” infrastructure is developing which is going to catch a lot of people by surprise!

Metricom files for bankruptcy. Metricom, the makers of the Ricochet wireless Internet service, files for bankruptcy protection but intends to keep its 41,000 wireless subscribers online for now. [CNET Tech News]